Luke Littler makes Luke Humphries confession as he discusses World Championship ‘nerves’

Luke Littler Reflects on Nerves and Record-Breaking Performance at World Darts Championship

Rising darts star Luke Littler admitted feeling ‘nervous’ during his first-round match against Ryan Meikle at the PDC World Darts Championship. Despite early jitters, the 17-year-old sensation delivered an electrifying performance at Alexandra Palace, cementing his reputation as one of the sport’s brightest talents.

Littler, nicknamed ‘Luke the Nuke,’ overcame a shaky start to dominate the final stages of the match, clinching victory with a stunning fourth set. His remarkable set average of 140.91 not only secured his win but also set a new tournament record. The display, which included a near-miss on a nine-darter, left fans and pundits in awe and further established Littler as a crowd favorite.

A Nervous Start

Speaking to Mirror Sport after the match, Littler admitted that nerves had played a significant role in his early struggles.

“I was probably the most nervous I’ve been in months,” he said. “Before the game, I was fine, but as soon as the referee said, ‘Game on,’ I started throwing low scores—20s, 5s, and 19s—and had to dig deep to recover.”

Littler described the challenge of overcoming his nerves, saying, “On the train journey down to Ally Pally, I couldn’t wait to get on stage. But when I got there, I felt the nerves kick in. Thankfully, I found my best game in the final set and managed to get over the line.”

Breaking Records and Raising Expectations

Littler’s record-breaking performance in the fourth set was a testament to his incredible ability under pressure. Reflecting on his achievement, he expressed confidence in his potential to improve further.

“Can I go higher than 140 in a set? If I hit a nine-darter, maybe yes,” he said. “In that last set against Ryan, I wasn’t even thinking about the average—I just wanted to win.”

The young talent’s achievements this season have been nothing short of extraordinary. In his debut year on the professional circuit, Littler has racked up an astonishing 776 maximum 180s, a statistic that has made him one of the sport’s most exciting prospects.

Managing Expectations and Moving Forward

Despite his success, Littler remains grounded and focused on his next challenge. Reflecting on his journey so far, he acknowledged the pressures of competing at the highest level but expressed confidence in his ability to handle them.

“I know what I can produce and what I’ve done all year. This has been the best darts of my life,” he said. “From now on, I’m going to stop myself from getting nervous. I’m through to the third round, and I’ll have time to settle into the longer format.”

Littler also highlighted the unique experience of playing in front of the passionate crowds at Alexandra Palace. “It’s amazing to be back at Ally Pally,” he said. “The atmosphere is incredible, and I know I can deliver on this stage.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

Littler’s success has transcended the darts world, capturing the imagination of young fans and inspiring the next generation of players. With his merchandise flying off the shelves in time for Christmas, the Warrington native is quickly becoming a household name.

“It’s been crazy,” Littler said of his growing popularity. “I don’t know how much Target [his darts manufacturer] has sent to places like Argos, but it’s amazing to see my name out there.”

Littler’s innovative magnetic dartboard has been a particular hit among young fans. “As a kid, I always used a magnetic board,” he recalled. “Now, a lot of kids will be playing darts on Christmas Day—and that’s something special.”

Looking Ahead

As Littler advances to the third round, his focus remains on maintaining his momentum and delivering his best performances. The young star is determined to keep making history and solidify his place among darts’ elite.

With a combination of raw talent, resilience, and a growing legion of fans, Luke Littler’s journey is one to watch. As he continues to break records and inspire the next generation, the future of darts looks brighter than ever.